Final call to raise cash by joining Race for Life

Cancer Research UK is urging ladies in the Lothians to enter the Edinburgh event before tonight's midnight deadline.

Around 7000 women - including cancer survivors and people taking part in memory or celebration of their loved ones - will walk, jog or run the 5K and 10K route at Holyrood Park on Sunday to raise money to help fight cancer.

Edinburgh event manager for Race for Life, Helen Tibbott, said today: "We are extending our Race for Life invitation to the whole community and asking everyone to join the fun.

"Many men come along to cheer their friends, wives, girlfriends, mums and daughters over the finish fine - which is fantastically motivating - and then go home.

"But at this year's event we've got all the ingredients for a brilliant day out - great food, music, fun and games. So we are inviting our participants, their families, supporters and local residents to stay and make it a unique day to remember."

The route for the 5K starts at Holyrood Park, goes around Arthur's Seat once and finishes back in the park. The 10K follows a similar route but includes a circuit of the park and a leg which takes participants down to Duddingston Loch via the Innocent Railway, before finishing back at the park.

The charity hopes those taking part will help to raise a fundraising target of half a million pounds.

Last year, the Edinburgh 5K raised 298,373 and the 10K 172,344.

In the hour it takes most participants to walk 5K, around three people will be diagnosed with cancer in Scotland. Miss Tibbott added: "By supporting Race for Life, people in Scotland can make a real difference to the lives and future of people with cancer in their community.

"We're extremely grateful to the women who take part and the friends, family and colleagues who sponsor and support them.

"Together they will help us create a fantastic atmosphere on the day and help our doctors, nurses and scientists take major strides forward in research."

Locals can boost their contribution to Cancer Research UK's work by carrying out a "wardrobe workout" before arriving at the women-only event.

The charity is encouraging them to sort and bag clothes, books and accessories that they no longer use and take them to the Donation Station at Race for Life.

Each bag could help raise as much as an extra 30 for life-saving research.

For more information about entering Tesco and Cancer Research UK's Race for Life, or volunteering at the event, visit www.raceforlife.org or call 0871 641 1111.